Kohler Gas Generator

[Jimmy]

Purchased our 2001 350 Mariner in September of last year and we love it. This weekend the Kohler gas generator started and ran for about a minute then quit and wouldn’t start again. After some diagnoses I discovered that it is not getting gas. I can only assume that the fuel pump or electric fuel valve are the cause. Since they appear to be original I have decided to replace both and have ordered the pump but can’s seem to find the Parker Skinner valve. Does anyone have an idea where i can find this?

By the way the generator has ran all year with no issues. Thank you in advance with any assistance.

[buster53]

Ok, we had problems with out Kohler last year. Had a mechanic check it out and found the fuel pump not working. Replaced that and still had problems. He checked several things and still no go. Happened to mention that there was a check valve or maybe anti-siphon is a better description, in the fuel line right at the fuel tank. Decided to replace that and everything is good.

One other question...how much fuel is in your tank? I had a boat that needed at least 1/3 of a tank to make the genset run. Anything less than 1/3, the fuel pick up line was now above the fuel level in the tank.

[Jimmy]

Thanks for your response. The tank is 3/4 full so I ruled that out. Do you know where your mechanic got the check valve? Having a hard time finding one. Thank you.

[buster53]

Sorry, I don't know, but he didn't mention anything about it being difficult to find, so I'm guessing it is a basic, off the shelf item.

[waybomb]

The anti-siphon valve most likely looks like a hose barb right at the fuel tank termination.
Don;t bother trying to clean; just replace it. It's a lightly loaded spring check. I can't imagine any marine supply store without one.

[Jimmy]

Waybomb, thanks for the response. I checked the hose from the tank to the valve and there is nothing. I didn’t see a fuel filter but I assume it is between the pump and valve.

[bud37]

Are you saying you cant find those items ( solenoid ) on the boat or, you don't know where to buy it ?

I am guessing you have the 7.3 here....if you check out the parts blow up in the manual you may see whether you have this part and how the fuel feed is configured.

[buster53]

Source of the post Waybomb, thanks for the response. I checked the hose from the tank to the valve and there is nothing. I didn’t see a fuel filter but I assume it is between the pump and valve.

If I'm not mistaken, when my mechanic changed mine, it was inside the tank. I do have a fuel filter and it is mounted between the tank and genset. Mine is easy to get to, but I know some boats, it can be very difficult to find and/or service

[tomschauer]

I replaced the failed fuel pump on my Kohler 7.3 a couple years ago. Learned the hard way that you can connect it with reverse polarity. It will pump a tiny bit of fuel, enough to make your genny sound like its going to start, but not enough to run it. Flipped the polarity and everything has been good since.

[Jimmy]

bud37, I can’t find where to buy them.